Integration of cognitive and existential therapy

Presently, ‘cognitive-behavioural therapy’ is an umbrella term. It covers a comprehensive set of heterogeneous, but well-investigated set of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapeutic modalities. Some limitations in their use have been identified, including a certain disregard for the idiosyncrasies of each person. In an attempt to address shortcomings such as these, attempts to integrate techniques and theories from existential modalities have been made. The present research sought to contribute to the investigation of the possibility, viability, and desirability of integrating these modalities, at the level of theory and praxis. Two empirical investigations were conducted. The first consisted of an online mixed-methods survey. Through descriptive and inferential statistics, it explored the views and satisfaction of a large sample of psychotherapists regarding cognitive-behavioural and existentialist psychotherapeutic techniques. Findings showed that many cognitive-behavioural therapists were open to, interested in, and/or utilised existentialist techniques and principles in their practices. Yet, the expected relationship between dissatisfaction with CBT and interest in existentialism was not statistically supported. For the second study, a small sub-sample of cognitive-behavioural therapists, interested in existential therapies, were interviewed face-to-face. Practitioners shared their opinions and experiences of integrating the two types of therapy in their daily practices. Three main themes were identified: Assertion of the Human; Missing Elements; and Integration in Practice. The first theme highlighted how integration brought forward the humanity of clients and therapists. The second theme discussed how integration helped to address limitations of both modalities, making each, in therapists’ opinion, more whole, efficient, and/or complete. The third theme indicated integration was conducted with apparent success for several different practical purposes and reasons. Therefore, from a qualitative viewpoint, the integration of these modalities seemed possible, viable, and desirable. Evidence-based recommendations for practice were offered at the end.